Willie Ray Stokes

Sunrise 08-21-1946

Sunset 12-18-2025

Willie Ray Stokes was born on Aug 21, 1946 in Greenville, SC to the late Willie and Julia Stokes.

Willie Ray peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 18, 2025 at the age of 79.

He was educated in Anne Arundel County schools in Ft. Meade, MD before he enlisted into the US Navy from 1965 to 1969 and became a Vietnam Veteran. Once he was discharged, he became a Washingtonian. Where he met, courted, and married Diane Thelma Maria Bush on May 16, 1970.

Willie Ray was employed by Duron Paint Company for more than three decades before retiring and working at Haines Point to pass time. After many years and the retirement of his youngest daughter, Michelle; he moved from DC to El Paso, TX to relax and enjoy the rest of his days.

Willie Ray was also a lifelong, die-hard Redskins (Commanders) fan.

Willie Ray is preceded in death by his mother and father, Willie and Julia (Griggs) Stokes, his brother Eric Stokes, and his sisters Judy Cason, Mary Curtis, Daisy Cheeves, his daughter Annette Marshall, and brother-in-law, Joseph Bush.

Willie Ray is survived by his wife Diane Stokes (Bush), daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Charles Smith Jr.

Sisters Lula Curry, Sheila Clanton, brothers Furman Stokes and Anthony Stokes (Elaine), sisters-in-law, Janet Rollins (Anthony), Ernestine Bush (Joseph), Grandchildren Jamie Irving, Diamond Marshall, Jaquan Schools, Davonte Squire, Chance Smith, and two great-grandchildren, King Irving and Christopher Varner Jr., along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.